Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)

Star4.74
29 reviews
P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA
Scenic ViewsFishing

Quick Facts

3,076 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Hoodoo Recreation Services site

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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)
$18.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Tent-only nonelectric sites are $18 per night during peak and first-come, first-served seasons, with an additional $2 for holiday nights. Displayed...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.74

Top-Rated

Based on 29 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleansites

"The campground is highly praised for its scenic location near the Metolius River, large and well-laid-out campsites, and clean facilities. Complaints primarily focus on noise and occasional lack of privacy."

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 4.4 miles north on Forest Road 14.
Access involves paved highways and forest roads. Seasonal closures or road conditions are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Sisters (approximately 14 miles, 20 minutes), Bend (approximately 38 miles, 45 minutes), Redmond (approximately 34 miles, 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely available in Sisters, Oregon, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials. Specific store details are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)

From May through September, Riverside Campground awakens from its winter slumber to welcome campers into a season of outdoor splendor. Crisp mountain mornings give way to pleasantly moderate afternoons, perfect for exploring the surrounding wilderness. While occasional rain showers refresh the forest and feed the river, most days offer ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. The moderate breezes that sweep through the pines carry the fresh scent of the forest and provide natural air conditioning during warmer afternoons.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Open May 23–Sep 20; summer is peak season with many positive reviews and activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
2.0 / 5

Campground closes ~Sep 20; limited fall access and occasional late‑season heat noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 — late spring access is brief; good scenery but limited season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed roughly Sep 20–May 1; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 20 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from May 23 to September 20 for reservations. Out-of-season period is September 20 to May 1.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions, but there are no active alerts noted.

About Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)

Tucked along the pristine upper Metolius River in Central Oregon, Riverside Campground invites adventurers to experience true wilderness camping at its finest. This walk-in, tent-only sanctuary offers an intimate connection with nature, where the sound of rushing crystal-clear waters serves as your soundtrack. Days here unfold with world-class fly-fishing opportunities, scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, and easy access to fascinating nearby attractions like the educational Metolius Fish Hatchery and the mesmerizing Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform, where you can watch native trout navigate the crystal waters.
Riverside Campground is exclusively a walk-in, tent-only facility, catering to campers seeking a more primitive experience. RVs and trailers are not permitted.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is allowed until NOON the day following the reserved arrival date.
Check-out
Check-out time is NOON.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights, and a total of 28 nights per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy hiking and fishing at Riverside Campground. Fishing in the Metolius River offers opportunities for rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. Hiking options include riverside trails and subalpine forest routes. Nearby attractions expand recreational options with activities like bird watching at the Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform and exploring geological features at Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
HikingThe area offers a variety of hiking trails, including riverside paths and subalpine forest routes. The East Metolius River Trail is a highlight, connecting to Camp Sherman and offering scenic views.
FishingThe spring-fed Metolius River is noted for its "stunning setting for fly-fishing" and supports species such as rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout, and kokanee salmon.
Wildlife viewingThe area supports a diverse range of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, cougars, migratory birds, and native fish. Bird watching is particularly popular at the Metolius Research Natural Area.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNearby attractions such as the Lava Lands Visitor Center and Newberry National Volcanic Monument offer interpretive programs and exhibits on the local landscape and history.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include icy/fast-moving river conditions, hot and dry periods leading to fire risk, and encounters with wildlife like coyotes or cougars.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions, but there are no active alerts noted.

Weather at Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or)

Reviews

4.7
29 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, Or) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its scenic location near the Metolius River, large and well-laid-out campsites, and clean facilities. Complaints primarily focus on noise and occasional lack of privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Large campsites, clean vault toilets, access to the Metolius River, and a peaceful setting are frequently mentioned. Reviewers also appreciate the absence of generators and the opportunity for a more...
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Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from neighboring campers and people walking unnecessarily through campsites are noted as downsides. Some users expressed disappointment with the limited parking for additional vehicles.
Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water supply as there are no hookups. Prepare for a short walk from the parking area to your campsite. Be mindful of fire restrictions and check for updates on conditions.
Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with positive reviews highlighting the area's beauty and recreational opportunities. However, heat waves can impact comfort levels, as noted by one reviewer.
Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The pit toilets are pretty clean and people knew to keep the lid down so they didn’t smell too badly."—Heather M. 2. "Large campsites situated in Ponderosa pines. Short walk to the Metolius...
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Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 008 received mixed reviews; it is close to the toilet but some felt privacy could be improved. Site 012 is noted for its spaciousness and good shade.
Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific user reviews address pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 29 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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